While lighting a candle to remind you of God’s Presence, have someone read the candle prayer.
Please watch the video first for some background information which will help with today’s discussion.
Today we are encouraged to experiment with a specific method of studying scripture which uses one passage of scripture to interpret another passage of scripture. “Reading Backwards” establishes a connection between an earlier event and a later event, usually between the Old and New Testaments. When interpreted together, these events cast new light on each other.
We will be “reading backwards” using a story about the prophet Elisha from 2 Kings 6 and the story of the Road to Emmaus from Luke 24. This exercise is based on the work of biblical scholar, Richard Hays. If you are interested, you can watch a lecture he gave in 2015 where he shares this example of “reading backwards” (he mentions Luke 24 at minute 50).
To help with today’s discussion, first watch the above Small Church video and read the two scriptures, then consider the following insights from Richard Hays:
What stands out for you from either of these stories?
How does “reading backwards” reframe and deepen your understanding of Jesus’ identity?
What are you “seeing new” in either of the texts?
How does this exercise in “reading backwards” help you to see Luke’s theme of the Great Reversal in a new light?
What questions do you still have about these texts or this exercise?
How does this new reading challenge you in your own spiritual life or discipleship journey?
Given this new insight, is there an invitation from God for you today?
How does this reading illuminate your own calling in our community? Or Cap’s calling the or community?
Conclude with a time of prayer in a style which is meaningful for your Small Church.
For the rest of our series in Luke, Communion is an optional practice during Small Church.
The communion table reminds us of the “great reversal’ where the hungry are fed, the sick and hurting are healed, and sinners forgiven. If, as Brian Zahnd says, “grace runs downhill”, then this table is at the bottom of the hill.
With some bread and some juice, serve each other the body and blood of Christ as a sign of the good news we share in Jesus.
Read Luke 24: 13- 35
You can find a version in The Book of Belonging on pages 254 – 257.
After reading the passage, share in some curious discussion:
1. If you read Luke 24:13-35, why do you think his disciples didn’t recognize Jesus right away? Why didn’t Jesus tell them who he was right away?
2. Why do you think it was important for Jesus to visit his friends after his resurrection
3. What question would you have for Jesus if you were a disciple? What would help you believe Jesus did in fact come back to life?
4. Why would Jesus leave earth and go to heaven to be with God?
Here are a few options for group activities to select from.
Blanket Surprise: Split the group into two teams and find a large blanket. One or two people can hold the blanket in the middle, so you are unable to see the other team. Each team selects one person to stand in front by the blanket. At the count of three the blanket is dropped and it’s a race to see who can name the person on the other side first. The person to say the correct name first wins the round and the other person joins the other team. Play until everyone is on one team.
Mystery Box: To play the game, you’ll need a cardboard box and a variety of small objects with different textures and shapes. The box is placed on its side with the opening facing the non-guessing players and holes are cut on each end of the box to allow for the guesser’s hands to enter the box. The small objects are placed in the box and the guesser has to figure out what the object is based on how it feels. The non-guessing players can give hints as needed.
